The Short Term vs. The Long Term
The short term is about immediate gratification. When you prioritize the short term there is a heavy emphasis on will power and external motivation.
Almost anyone can use will power to force themselves to do something difficult temporarily to earn a treat at the end. However, after you get your treat the will power ceases and the motivation is gone. At this point, it’s only a matter of time until you return back to square one.
The long term is about sustainable change. When you prioritize the long term there is a heavy emphasis on self-motivation and purpose.
In the long term, a meaningful change in behavior is necessary. This change requires you to understand yourself from the inside out. Then change your priorities and take advantage of your innate strengths and motivations. What’s more, defining an overarching purpose that taps into your passions will also provide fuel to sustain meaningful change over the long haul.
You will earn very few things worth having in the short term. As a result, always optimize for the long term when given the choice.